Consider allowing liquor sale in green zones: Siddaramaiah

Bengaluru: Former chief minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday, April 28 said that the government could consider allowing sale of liquor, with certain restrictions, in the green zones of the state.

Chamarajanagar, Koppal, Chikmagalur, Raichur, Chitradurga, Ramanagara, Hassan, Shivamogga, Haveri, Yadgir, Kolar, Davanagere, Udupi and Kodagu have been classified as green zones and the state government has allowed resumption of economic activities in these districts.

Speaking to reporters here the Congress leader told that he was not suggesting alcohol sale for revival of state economy.

“Merely because there is an economic slowdown in the state, I don’t recommend that alcohol should be allowed to be sold. But, wherever there are green districts, they can open (liquor shops) with certain restrictions, I think that they can do,” Siddaramaiah said.

A proposal by excise department to allow liquor sale, through the state-run MSIL outlets was disapproved by the state government fearing crowding at the stores amid the pandemic scare.

It must be noted that excise accounts for nearly 18 per cent of state’s tax revenue.